What are some of the effects of antenatal steroids on the mother?

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What are some of the effects of antenatal steroids on the mother?

A rise in the white blood count (WBC) may occur as early as two hours after the first injection of betamethasone.

• The mean WBC increases by about 30% within 24 hours.
• The WBC count generally returns to baseline three days after the first betamethasone or dexamethasone injection .

Hyperglycemia may also occur as early as 3 to 8 hours after antenatal steroids have been given. Glucose values return to normal 24 hours after the second dose in nondiabetic patients, but may remain elevated for up to 5 days after the first dose in diabetic patients

Transient improvement in blood pressure control, increased urinary output, decreased AST, and increased platelet count has been seen in patients with HELLP syndrome treated with corticosteroids (dexamethasone more so than betamethasone) .

REFERENCES

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And may remain elevated for up to 5 days after
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8. Isler CM, et. al., A prospective, randomized trial comparing the efficacy of dexamethasone and betamethasone for the treatment of antepartum HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2001 Jun;184(7):1332-7; PMID:11408849
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